Previous research has shown that the mental health conditions of cancer patients can effect how long they live and how well they recovery and fights the disease. However, new research is showing that emotions may in fact NOT play a role in cancer survival rates.

“The hope that we can fight cancer by influencing emotional states appears to have been misplaced,” Coyne said in a statement.

“If cancer patients want psychotherapy or to be in a support group, they should be given the opportunity to do so. There can be lots of emotional and social benefits. But they should not seek such experiences solely on the expectation that they are extending their lives.”

The intersection mental and physical health continues to receive a lot of funding and attention, and I am pretty confident we have not heard the end of this growing debate.

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    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 24 Oct 2007
    Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.